DERELICT THORNABY TOWN HALL TO RECEIVE £750K RESTORATION

October 2010: Derelict Teesside landmark Thornaby Town Hall will undergo a major regeneration project it’s been announced by commercial developer Python Properties.

Middlesbrough-based Python Properties has signed a development agreement with Stockton Borough Council to redevelop and refurbish the landmark, which will see the building returned to its former glory after it fell into disuse and disrepair in the late 1980’s.

The grade two listed property and its four extensions will be transformed into 12,000 square feet of new business office space in 25 new units, catering for new and expanding businesses in Thornaby.

The building’s impressive council chamber will also be returned to its original status and be available free of charge for the Town Council and community groups to use for meetings.

Martin Johnson, Python Properties partner, said: “This development is so much more than returning the Town Hall to its prestige condition; it’s about helping to regenerate a community. We are hoping the development will inspire further regeneration and pride in Thornaby.

“We have been planning the regeneration project for a long time so are delighted to sign the development agreement with Stockton Borough Council and are now eager to start work.

“Thornaby Town Hall has always been a public building and this is something we want to continue so once refurbished it will be open for people to look around. Thornaby community groups will also be able to hire, free of charge, rooms and the impressive chamber to meet.

“Heritage items will also be exhibited on a continuous basis in the chamber and managed by Python Gallery to show the history of the area and the building”

The restoration has been described as a beacon development, which will not only transform the stunning building but also help regenerate the surrounding area.

Peter Broome, Python Properties partner, said: “Heritage and regeneration are very important to us so we are thrilled to have signed the development agreement. This is a really exciting time for Python Properties, after only starting work two weeks ago on the £1.5m regeneration of the Cargo Fleet building in Middlesbrough.

“We are quickly building a reputation as key regeneration developers in the region. We have already developed five other properties in recent years including, The Cooperative Building and Royal Middlehaven House, both in Middlesbrough, Maxwell’s Corner and The Town House in Stockton, and Bank Quay House in Warrington.”

Python Properties, assisted by Tees Valley Unlimited, has secured grant funding from the Single Programme fund of One North East and commercial funding from Santander Bank.

David Cramond, Director of Capital Development at One North East, said: “This project will renovate a landmark building at a key location in Thornaby, and provide an excellent new space for businesses across the Tees Valley.”

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Borough Council’s member for regeneration and transport, said: “This major restoration of Thornaby Town Hall will not only bring back into use this historic Teesside landmark, but it will also create much needed office space for new and expanding companies. In these current financial times, it shows the benefits that private sector investment can bring,”

Work will begin on site as soon as the property is vacant; the only current occupant is Thornaby Town Council, which occupies two small rooms on the ground floor.

Richard Shuter, relationship director at Santander’s Tees Valley Corporate Business Centre, said: “We are delighted to support Python Properties in the restoration of Thornaby Town Hall, a landmark Teesside Building. This project will not only help regenerate the surrounding area but also provide invaluable space for the local community.”

Office suites range in sizes from 250 sq ft to 2500 sq ft and reservations are now being taken. Flexible lease terms, including break clauses and rent free periods, are available.

Rents for Thornaby Town Hall office suites are highly competitive from £8.50 sq ft and there is a low service charge. This will include a manned reception, parking and chamber/conference room facilities.

The regeneration plans have received widespread support from businesses and initiatives, including Digital City. Mark Elliott, CEO of Digital City, said: “I'm really pleased to see the Thornaby Town Hall project go forward. It's taken a while, but I'm absolutely certain that it will help develop business in the area. The economic outlook may look bleak, but it says a huge amount about the Tees Valley and the people in it that that schemes like this are forging ahead.”

For further information about Thornaby Town Hall please contact Python Properties on 01642 225100 or visit www.pythonproperties.co.uk.

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Python have a good management structure which look after the people in the building. They are excellent Landlords who actively work with you.